Research Associate

A little about us… Kidango (kidango.org) is an early learning nonprofit committed to setting every child on a path to thrive in kindergarten and in life. We believe that all children can reach their full potential if they and their families have access to the right opportunities and resources. As the largest child care provider in the San Francisco Bay Area, we provide thousands of children, especially those from low-income families, with safe, healthy, nurturing environments and relationships. Through our policy work, we aim to take our expertise beyond the children and families that we serve, and drive change in early childhood education at the local, state and federal levels. Our goal is to make sure all children have the social, emotional, and academic skills they need to learn, grow and realize their potential.

About The Role

The Research Associate will support Kidango’s research initiatives by collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data related to programs and policies and collaborating with our research and program teams to conduct studies that inform our strategic priorities and contribute to evidence-based advocacy for educational change.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Assists in the design and implementation of both qualitative and quantitative research studies, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observational studies.
• Conducts and analyzes qualitative research; manages, and analyze quantitative data using appropriate statistical methods.
• Conducts comprehensive reviews of existing research and literature to inform the design of new projects and to contextualize findings.
• Organizes and maintains research data, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with ethical guidelines.
• Prepares clear, concise reports, summaries, and presentations to communicate research findings to internal stakeholders, funders, and external audiences.
• Contributes to the evaluation of early learning programs, including data collection, analysis, and report preparation.
• Works closely with internal teams, including program managers and educators, to integrate research findings into program design and policy recommendations.
• Helps build internal capacity for data-driven decision making by sharing insights and recommending actionable improvements.
• Contributes to the dissemination of research findings through publications, presentations, and webinars.
• Supports partnerships with academic, community, and partner stakeholders as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social sciences, public policy, or a related field.
• At least 1-2 years of experience in research or evaluation, preferably in the education or nonprofit sectors.
• Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, or Excel) and qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo).
• Experience with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work on a variety of tasks simultaneously and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Familiarity with educational research, policy analysis, or program evaluation methodologies preferred.

Compensation$87,716.88—$87,716.88 USD

Additional Requirements

• Must pass a health screening and TB test 
• Must pass background fingerprint clearance 
• Valid Driver License 
• Must be 18 years or older 
• The ability to lift up to 30lbs may be needed during some job duties
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to  perform the essential job functions

Perks

• An opportunity to improve real lives, solve hard problems, and change the world
• Friendly, supportive, and adventurous environment with a team of engaged colleagues
• A comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package 
• Opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues and partners around the world

Drug-Free Workplace

We believe every employee has the right to work in an environment that is free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. Consistent with applicable laws, Kidango makes all decisions involving any aspect of the employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship, the presence of any physical or mental disability of someone otherwise qualified, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law, other than those positions which are deemed ministerial in nature. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. This policy of non-discrimination applies to all aspects of application procedures, hiring, advancement, transfers, reductions in force, discharge, compensation, training, or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.

Eeo

A diverse and inclusive workplace where we learn from each other is an integral part of Kidango’s culture. We actively welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and a great place to work. Join us and help us achieve our mission!